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Flagler County, FL – Two Flagler County firefighters are leaving for Oregon to help fight wildfires in the west.

On Thursday, August 10, Flagler County Fire Rescue’s Ronald Titus, 32, and Justin Thomas, 29, will leave for Central Oregon. This will be Titus’ 5th time traveling west to help fight wildfires and his 1st time as “squad boss.” Titus has previously fought fires in California, Idaho, Washington State and Oregon. This trip is Thomas’ 1st time mobilizing.

Titus has been working for Flagler County Fire Rescue since 2011 and Thomas has been with the team since December 2014. Both men will work alongside on the same team and will receive details about their mission when they arrive in Redmond, Oregon. They will be in Oregon for will 17 to 21 days, the length of a typical deployment.

“I’m a little nervous, because this is my first leadership opportunity,” said Titus. “I’m glad Justin will be on my team. It will be good for him because it is his first out-of-state trip.”

(Photo of Titus courtesy of Flagler County)

On Tuesday, Thomas heard about his deployment from the Florida Forrest Service.

“I know he’s stoked. The best advice I can give him is to keep his ears open and ask questions,” said Titus.

Also, both men are married with families located in Flagler County.

“My wife is supportive,” says Thomas.

(Photo of Thomas courtesy of Flagler County)

Titus said that he is excited to expand his horizons and take part in new experiences.

“It’s the kind of firefighting I like to do,” said Titus. “I also like having the opportunity to travel places I might not otherwise have a chance to see.”